Warning: This post was written a little before 4:00 a.m. just before I left for the airport home from SXSWi. Crankiness may ensue.
On Friday some of my SXSWi friends and I started a drinking game. Every time someone said the word “conversation” we drank. After the first couple of hours it was pretty clear we’d have to lay off the alcohol for this drinking game. “Conversation” was being talked about at every table in every pub. It was used in every panel and discussion topic. Conversations about conversation were unavoidable. No, we’d have to swig water if we wanted to make it through the weekend. SXSWi barely even started and it was clearly all about having, creating, or participating in a conversation.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind that it’s all about conversation. I’m the first to admit I’m somewhat of a talker. Sure, conversation is important. It’s damn important. Having a dialogue with the members of our community is the best way to learn how they use our service. I can think of a word that’s even more important than conversation however, and that’s “action”. Talking and listening are indeed important but it’s the folks who take action who are the real rock stars.
Is “Space” Too Limiting?
Another word being bandied about at SXSWi’s every corner was “space”. As in, “it’s how you use the space.” I’m not quite sure where this space is everyone is referring to. Is there a party going on somewhere I haven’t been invited to? Does one buy the space or rent it? Am I in the right space now, or am I just a squatter? I’m obviously not involved in the right conversations. I mean, how do I find out how big my space is and where I can get more?
To me, “space”, and the discussion about how to use one’s space implies a limited area, which is why I’m not so fond of the term. When possibilities are endless, the implication should be the space we’re occupying must be unlimited as well. Like an infinityland or a black hole of community. I agree that we have to figure out ways to use our spaces (wherever they may be) rather than occupy them, but what does space really have to do with finding out what people want.
If I learned anything these past few days is that there aren’t many set rules. There’s no right or wrong. Just because one person uses Twitter as a promotional tool while another uses it to banter, doesn’t mean either is doing it wrong. Every blogger, every community manager and every social media specialist has his or her own set of rules. It’s not only about conversation or space. It’s about keeping an open mind and not using a manual or the phrase of the week to mold your community. Communities are indivdual collectives and what works for one might not be the ticket for another. Just because someone with a famous name does something, doesn’t mean it’s the perfect situation for you. By all means, have conversations but don’t forget to act and think outside your box…er …space.
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